Becoming a Verified Book Author on Medium: How I Got that Blue Badge?
You can get it too!
Have you ever dreamt of getting that coveted blue badge next to your name on Medium?
Getting a blue badge means you are a verified author.
Becoming a verified book author on Medium and getting a blue badge signifies not just authorship, but verified authorship.
It is a public declaration that you’re the real deal.
Remember: After becoming a verified book author on Medium, the blue badge will appear next to your name across Medium.
Honeymoon with the Blue Badge
Just letting you know, “Author verification” on Medium launched on February 15th, 2023.
I became active on Medium in March 2023.
After a few days, I discovered that blue badge across the names of a few Medium creators.
I got curious! What are those blue badges?
Why are they appearing next to the names of some Medium creators but not all?
After Googling it I got to know that the blue badges are given to those Medium creators who are published authors of at least one book. The book should have an ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
Fortunately, I am a published author of one book and co-author of two books.
I have authored a book (with ISBN) titled — “The Slum Dwellers in Bhubaneswar, India: From a Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective.”
You must be wondering – after all what the heck is this “Author Verification on Medium”?
What is Author Verification on Medium?
Author verification was launched on February 15th, 2023.
You can scan through the blog that carried the announcement.
• Anyone with a Medium account, picture, bio, and published book with ISBN can apply for verification (free).
• Verification doesn't affect story distribution, it just adds context to profiles and stories.
• ISBNs are used to verify book existence for now, but other criteria might be added later.
• To become a verified book author on Medium you won’t have to pay. It is done for free of cost.
How did I become a verified book author on Medium?
(You can follow this process too!)
(1) Published Book with ISBN?
The first requirement to become a verified author is having your book published. My book has an ISBN. As I am a published author of an ISBN book I’m automatically qualified.
What if you don’t have a published book?
Now a day publishing a book is not a big deal. If you have mastery over anything (related to your profession, writing, or personal interests/hobbies) you can write a book. After that, you need to publish it with any publisher. But remember — your book should have ISBN.
For those who don’t know about ISBN (International Standard Book Number) let me explain that briefly.
ISBNs, short for International Standard Book Numbers, are unique 13-digit codes (formerly 10 digits) assigned to books after 2006. These codes use a clever maths formula and a check digit for accuracy, helping everyone involved identify and track specific editions seamlessly. An ISBN functions as a universal ID for books, enabling publishers, bookstores, libraries, online sellers, and everyone else in the book industry to order, track, and sell them efficiently.
Nowadays, it is easy to get your book published, especially online.
If you still wonder how to write a book and publish it you may contact me for support.
(2) Profile Polish
Make sure your name matches the one in your book. This creates a cohesive identity and shows Medium you take your writing seriously. Your bio should be thoroughly filled up and have a photo.
(3) Ready to apply?
To become a verified book author on Medium you have to apply by filling up a verification form.
The verification form is available here. Fill it out with your book details.
It’s quick and easy, like signing up for a library card (minus the late fees, hopefully!).
Then, the waiting game begins.
(4) Review Process
Medium meticulously checks (verifies) your info, so patience is the key.
Normally it takes less than 1 week to get verified. In my case, what I remember, it took only 4–5 days. I was sure to get that alluring blue badge but unsure when.
So, after you apply just relax and wait for the email from the Medium team.
(5) Verification complete: You get the Blue Badge
Once the verification is completed you will receive an email (like below) confirming that you are now a verified book author on Medium.
Now you can find a Blue Badge next to your name across Medium.
Coming to me…
I was eagerly waiting for a response from the Medium team. They took only 3–4 days to process my application.
Finally, on 19th May 2023, I received an email from the Medium team.
The subject line was very clear and loud — “You’re a verified book author on Medium!”
After getting verified…
After receiving the email regarding the verification, the first thing that I did…
You know ‘what I did’ already, I guess!
Yes, you are thinking in the right direction.
I jumped to my Medium account and found this lovely blue badge (image of a tiny blue book) next to my name.
The badge is now appearing next to my name everywhere in Medium. The badge is shown next to my name in my profile, in my stories, and my responses.
In addition to that, “Book Author” will be displayed (in blue font) next to the blue badge.
My book is now displayed on my Medium profile.
Along with my book being featured, there is a clickable arrow (bottom-right of the displayed book cover). A reader can click the arrow to an Amazon selling page where my book is available to purchase.
The Benefits of Blue Badge
The badge looks ultra cool. Isn’t it?
But believe me, my friend, it’s more than just eye candy.
> It boosts your credibility
> Attract readers who trust verified voices
> It might even land you collaborations
> Who knows, maybe that blue badge is the stepping stone to your next writing adventure!
So, aspiring authors don’t wait!
If you are a published book author then apply for verification.
Otherwise, don’t get disheartened. You can easily write a book and get it published.
Are you confused?
You may contact me or any expert who knows the length and breadth of book writing and publishing.
It takes a few minutes to apply. The process is easy and free of cost.
Just after reading this story, you should head to the application page.
The blue badge awaits, ready to elevate your writing journey.
Let me stop here.
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you found it informative and valuable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or specific needs.
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Disclosure: The story contains affiliated link(s). The following Amazon link is used in the story for illustration only. I have no affiliation linkage with the seller and I’m not going to benefit financially from the Amazon seller if anybody buy my book using the link. “The Slum Dwellers in Bhubaneswar, India: From a Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective.”
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